Microwave melting and drilling of basalts

The paper presents two experimental methods for basalt processing by microwaves, and their results. One method employs a single-mode cavity to melt basalt, and to produce a volcanic glass (obsidian). The other method uses an open-end applicator (i.e. a microwave drill [1]) to form holes in basalt rocks. Experimental observations of the basalt interactions with microwaves in these two schemes are described, and their significances are discussed.